Way of St. James | Walking with Eurohike Hiking Tours

> 800
Kilometers

Route & Itinerary

The Way of St.James is not a single path but a network of pilgrimage routes that all lead to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain. The most famous route is the Camino Francés, stretching roughly 800 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, across the Pyrenees, through northern Spain, and all the way to Santiago.

Along the way, the hiking paths wind through a variety of landscapes — from mountain passes and green valleys to wide plateaus and historic towns such as Pamplona, Burgos, and León. Numerous churches, monasteries, and guesthouses line the route, offering travelers rest and accommodation.

The Way of St.James is clearly marked with yellow scallop shells and arrows and can be walked in stages of any length. Many pilgrims choose their own personal starting point — after all, as the saying goes, “The Way of St.James begins at your own doorstep.”

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the Way of St. James

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the Way of St.James

Where does the Way of St. James start?

The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) passes through many countries in Europe. The most well-known section in Germany starts at points such as Görlitz, Leipzig, or Aachen and runs through Germany, France, and Spain to Santiago de Compostela.

When is the best time to experience the Way of St. James?

The ideal season for walking on the Camino de Santiago depends on the choice of your individual route and the climatic conditions in the travel area. Our self-guided hiking tours can be booked from March or April to October.

Who is hiking on the Way of St. James suitable for?

Our walking tours on the Way of St. James are classified as "Walking". They follow well-marked hiking paths, and the daily stages are planned so that you spend about five hours – sometimes a bit longer – on the trail, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and cultural highlights along the route.

How long is the Way of St. James and how much elevation gain does it include?

The length of the Way of St. James varies greatly depending on the route: in Germany, the trail covers approximately 800–1,000 kilometers, and in Spain, it totals around 800 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. The total elevation gain can range from 10,000 to 20,000 meters, depending on the section.

How long are the daily stages on the Way of St. James?

The daily walking times on our walking tours on the Way of St. James are planned with an average of five hours (sometimes a little longer).

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the Way of St. James?

On our hiking tours on the Way of St. James, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The scallop shell - the symbol of the Way of St. James

Hiker in front of a sunflower field on the Way of St. James

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Way of St. James

St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port

The classic starting point of the Way of St.James sits at the foot of the Pyrenees. Its narrow streets, ancient city walls, and the “Porte Saint-Jacques” city gate transport visitors back to medieval times. For many pilgrims and modern travelers alike, this is where their grand adventure over the Pyrenees into Spain begins.

Pamplona

Famous for the running of the bulls, Pamplona is the first major city on Spanish soil. Its old town, with cobblestone streets, cafés, and historic buildings, immediately draws you in. Here, tradition and modern Spanish culture blend in a lively and unforgettable way.

Burgos

Burgos is a cultural gem along the Way of St.James. Its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, towers over the city and recalls its medieval significance. The streets around the cathedral are lined with historic buildings and quiet squares, inviting exploration and reflection.

León

León impresses with its magnificent cathedral, whose colorful stained-glass windows rank among the finest in Spain. The city seamlessly combines history, art, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a short pause along your hiking holiday.

The stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Leon

Astorga

Located in the heart of Castile and León, Astorga is a city full of history and charm. The impressive Santa María Cathedral and the extraordinary Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudí immediately catch the eye, but the narrow streets, quiet squares, and old stone houses are equally remarkable.

Santiago de Compostela

The ultimate destination of all Way of St.James routes, Santiago de Compostela lies in northwestern Spain. The cathedral, housing the tomb of the Apostle James, stands at the heart of the city. On the Praza do Obradoiro, countless pilgrims conclude their tour — a path filled with experiences, encounters, and personal reflection.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Way of St.James

St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Roncesvalles

25 Kilometers | ↗ 1370 Meters | ↘ 650 Meters

This stage crosses the Pyrenees, connecting the gentle hills of the French Basque Country with the dense forests of northern Spain. The climb is challenging, but sweeping valley views and the experience of crossing the border on foot make this section truly unforgettable.

Puente la Reina – Estella

↔ 22 Kilometers | ↗ 350 Meters | ↘ 290 Meters

Winding through vineyards, fields, and small villages in the heart of northern Spain, this stage offers charming scenery at every turn. In Puente la Reina, cross the famous medieval bridge before continuing to the Romanesque churches around Estella. A highlight along the way is the Irache Monastery, known for its “wine fountain.”

León – Villar de Mazarife

↔ 22 Kilometers | ↗ 150 Meters | ↘ 140 Meters

From the lively city of León, the route stretches across the wide plains of the Castilian Meseta. This stage offers open horizons, few distractions, and plenty of space for reflection. Fields, small villages, and the characteristic Meseta landscape define this peaceful stage.

O Cebreiro – Triacastela

↔ 21 Kilometers | ↗ 400 Meters | ↘ 380 Meters

Considered one of the most scenic stages along the Way of St.James in Galicia, this stage passes through misty mornings, green valleys, and ancient stone paths. Traditional stone houses with thatched roofs, known as pallozas, offer a glimpse into the region’s history.

Porto – Vila do Conde

↔ 26 Kilometers | ↗ 200 Meters | ↘ 260 Meters

This stage of the Portuguese Way of St.James follows the Atlantic coast. Beginning in Porto’s historic old town, the route leads north along the sea, passing dunes, wooden boardwalks, and small fishing villages, accompanied by the sound of waves, the wind, and the scent of the ocean.

Sarria – Portomarín

↔ 22 Kilometers | ↗ 350 Meters | ↘ 420 Meters

The stage from Sarria to Portomarín marks the start of the final 100 kilometers to Santiago. The route winds through lush forests, crosses ancient stone bridges, and passes traditional Galician hamlets. Portomarín was rebuilt stone by stone after a reservoir was constructed, giving the town a unique and tangible history.

Why Choose to Hike the Way of St.James?

Pilgrimage
Tradition

dates back as far as 1047.

From Mountains
to Coast

From the Pyrenees, across the Meseta plains, to the hills of Galicia

Spiritual
Experience

Reflection, peace, and personal growth along the journey

„Credencial“

The pilgrim passport can be stamped at over 2,000 points

World Heritage

such as the cathedrals in Burgos and Santiago de Compostela

Travel Stories on the Way of St.James

Hikers on a hiking trail near Andechs Monastery

November 5, 2024

Lifestyle & Health

5 reasons why pilgrimage is good for you

Buen Camino! This is how pilgrims greet each other on the famous pilgrimage trails. Translated, it means: “Good journey!” — or simply, “All the best on your journey to new places and, most importantly, to yourself.” Pilgrimage is no longer just for religious seekers. Today, it’s all about finding balance, disconnecting, and embarking on the great adventure of self-discovery. Taking a break from everyday stress, discovering fascinating places, and finding inner peace along the way—pilgrimage offers so much more than “just” hiking! We’ve put together the top five reasons why a pilgrimage is incredibly beneficial for your body, mind, and soul.

July 16, 2024

Pilgrimage in Salzburg: mountains, lakes, rivers

Slowing down, finding oneself and sorting out your thoughts – all of this comes into place when you are travelling through the countryside. Trekking on pilgrimage paths is a well-established practice for many. Whether you are a believer, a mountain enthusiast, a tourist or simply looking to escape the daily grind – pilgrims and hikers are a colourful group. What used to be a practice for religion and faith has become an opportunity to step back and rest. Pilgimages let you forget the hectic everyday life. Step by step, kilometer after kilometer. So what is a pilgrimage, where did it come from and why are they now so in vogue? The Eurohike team has the answers for you.

Way of St.James: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.